Microorganism reduction methods and compositions for food

ABSTRACT

Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for treating food such as produce, e.g., fruits and vegetables, and edible animal proteins are provided. Liquid formulations comprising, optionaly, less than about 0.5% detergent surfactat, such as potassium alkyl sulfate, that does not affect palatability and basic buffer to provide a pH of at least 10.5 are applied to food products immediately before consumption and allowed to stay for at least about one half minute to significantly reduce microorganism contamination. The food can be consumed without rinsing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application claims priority to application Ser. No. 60/050,839 filed Jun. 26, 1997 and application Ser. No. 60/075,069, filed Feb. 18, 1998 and is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/833,552, filed Apr. 7, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,849,678, granted Dec. 15, 1998.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to methods for making food, especially produce, safe for human consumption, while maintaining the palatability of said food, especially where sufficient pure water for rinsing said food is not available, and to compositions, especially in concentrated, or the corresponding diluted liquid form, which are especially suitable for practicing said methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fruits and vegetables, and sometimes other food products such as meats, are desirably washed prior to ingestion in order to remove soils and other unwanted residues which may be undesirably clinging to the surfaces thereof. However, the usual washing process requires a rinse step to effect physical removal of the soil. In many situations, a ready source of pure water is not available for rinsing, even at a low level. It will be appreciated that the formulation of truly effective compositions, especially those which can be used safely by individual consumers, for making fruits and vegetables safe to eat and palatable, when an abundant source of safe water is not available for rinsing, presents a unique problem to the formulator, inasmuch as many art-disclosed cleaning ingredients would, presumably, not be desirable for use in direct contact with foods where they are not completely removed and/or would not provide sufficient antimicrobial action.

Moreover, it would be especially desirable to provide effective, toxicologically-acceptable compositions for food, including fruits and vegetables and/or meats that can be sold in concentrated form and used to create dilute low-sudsing liquid solutions which can be used to effect antimicrobial action and which provide palatable food without removal. Dilute liquid solutions are convenient for the user, since they can be applied directly to soiled fruits and vegetables by simple immersion, thus ensuring that all parts of the food are treated. Clarity of the dilute liquids connotes cleanliness to the user and is thus highly desirable. Low sudsing is an important attribute so that the elimination of any suds is achieved quickly and easily. It is also of advantage if such concentrates can be diluted by the consumer using water that is not safe for use, since that is sometimes the only water that is available.

Unfortunately, many toxicologically-acceptable “cleaning” ingredients cannot be used with unsafe, impure water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention encompasses methods for treating food, including produce, especially fruits and vegetables, (and compositions, as disclosed hereinafter, for practicing said methods) at a basic pH, especially without rinsing, while maintaining palatability. In its broadest aspect, it comprises a method for treating food to reduce the level of microorganisms, said treatment occurring just prior to consumption, comprising the step of contacting the surface of said food with an aqueous treatment composition comprising: optionally, detergent surfactant; and basic buffer to provide a pH of greater than about 10.5 for a period of time in excess of about one half of a minute, the composition being essentially free of any material that adversely affects palatability, wherein said food does not need to be rinsed before consumption.

The present invention comprises several more specific aspects including:

I. A method for making food, including produce and meat, safe to eat comprising contacting the surfaces of said food, shortly before ingestion so as to minimize the chances for recontamination, by direct application of a dilute aqueous treatment composition having a pH above about 10.5, typically comprising:

(a) highly preferably, sufficient to reduce the surface tension and to reduce the viscosity to less than about 50 cp., preferably to less than about 10 cp., and more preferably to less than about 5 cp., to help maximize surface wetting and/or drainage thus minimizing residue, but less than an amount that will affect palatability, preferably less than about 0.5%, more preferably less than about 0.2%, and even more preferably less than about 0.1%, of toxicologically-acceptable detergent surfactant, preferably base-stable anionic surfactant, and more preferably, sodium and/or potassium alkyl sulfate and/or C₈₋₁₄ soap;

(b) toxicologically-acceptable basic buffer, preferably water soluble potassium and/or sodium and/or calcium hydroxides, ortho-phosphates, carbonates, and/or bicarbonates, to provide a pH of from about 10.5 to about 13, preferably from about 10.9 to about 12.5, more preferably from about 11.3 to about 12.3, but preferably with low reserve alkalinity (“reserve alkalinity” as used herein is equal to the percent of HCI equivalent needed to lower the pH of the dilute treatment composition to 9.5), that is typically less than about 10, preferably less than about 7, and even more preferably less than about 4, so as to maximize safety, and the level of ortho-phosphate, when present, being from about 0.01% to about 3%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.5% of ortho-phosphoric acid equivalent;

(c) optionally, from about 0.0005% to about 3%, preferably from about 0.001% to about 1%, and more preferably from about 0.003% to about 0.5%, by weight of calcium ion sequestrant, preferably polyphosphate detergent builder such as the sodium salt of tripolyphosphate (referred to hereinafter as “STPP”) or, a salt of an organic polycarboxylic acid, such as the sodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (referred to hereinafter as “EDTA”.) and/or a salt of citric acid to sequester calcium in hard water to control calcium precipitates;

(d) optionally, toxicologically-acceptable preservative;

(e) optionally, toxicologically-acceptable suds suppresser; and

(f) the balance comprising an aqueous carrier selected from water and, optionally, low levels of low molecular weight, toxicologically-acceptable organic solvent such as ethanol, glycerol, etc. and/or minor ingredients; all of the acidic materials above being, of course, neutralized under the alkaline conditions of the product, and said composition being essentially free of any material that is not toxicologically acceptable, said treatment being for a period of time of at least one half minute, preferably at least about 1 minute, and more preferably at least about 5 minutes, followed by draining and/or drying, especially without rinsing, said food being then ready for consumption and having desirable palatability.

The inventions disclosed herein preferably encompass concentrated compositions suitable for use in preparing such dilute compositions for treating food at a basic pH above about 10.5, by diluting with water using from about 0.1% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 2%, of the concentrated composition, by weight of the dilute composition, said concentrated composition comprising:

(a) from about 0.1% to about 50% , preferably from about 0.5% to about 20%, and more preferably from about 1% to about 10%, by weight of toxicologically-acceptable detergent surfactant, preferably base-stable anionic surfactant, and more preferably, a C₆₋₁₆ alkyl sulfate and/or C₈₋₁₄ soap;

(b) toxicologically-acceptable basic buffer, preferably potassium and/or sodium and/or calcium hydroxide, orthophosphate, carbonate, and/or bicarbonate, to provide a pH of from about 10.5 to about 13, preferably from about 10.9 to about 12.5, more preferably from about 11.3 to about 12.3, in said dilute composition, but with low reserve alkalinity in said dilute composition, preferably less than about 10, more preferably less than about 7 and even more preferably less than about 4, to avoid damage to a human, the level of orthophosphate, when present, being from about 3% to about 60%, preferably from about 5% to about 60%, more preferably from about 10% to about 55%, by weight of ortho-phosphoric acid equivalent;

(c) optionally, from about 0.1 to about 35%, preferably from about 1 to about 25%, more preferably from about 2 to about 20%, of toxicologically-acceptable calcium ion sequestrant, preferably polyphosphate or organic polycarboxylate, more preferably STPP or EDTA, or combinations of the two, to control calcium ions;

(d) optionally, toxicologically-acceptable preservative;

(e) optionally, toxicologically-acceptable suds suppresser; and

(f) the balance comprising compatible, toxicologically-acceptable inert and/or minor ingredients.

In all of the above lists of components, if an ingredient can be classified in more than one place, it will be classified in the first place it can appear. Preferably all ingredients are food grade, since they may be ingested.

A more specific method for preparing food, especially produce such as fruits and vegetables involves exposing the food to a dilute aqueous solution having a basic pH of more than about 10.5, for a period of time of more than about one half of a minute, said aqueous cleaning solution comprising potassium cations and/or sodium cations. These cations are desirable in the diet for many reasons. Therefore, their presence in a composition for use in treating food materials like vegetables and fruits without rinsing is desirable. Also, the potassium cation is more useful than the sodium cation for soaps, since the potassium soaps are quite soluble as compared to the sodium soaps, especially at low temperatures.

An alkaline method for treating food comprises contacting the surfaces of produce with an aqueous solution prepared by creating a solution having a pH of from about 10.5 to about 13, preferably from about 10.9 to about 12.5, more preferably from about 11.3 to about 12.3, using the concentrated composition above and impure water, to provide pure solutions that kill microorganisms on the surface of food. It is important to reduce the level of microorganisms on the surface of food.

Another preferred variation in the above methods for treating food such as produce involves placing concentrated compositions, as disclosed herein, into containers in association with instructions to use the composition to form said dilute solutions to treat food. Such instructions are very important, since the amount of dilution, the time of treatment, the elimination of the need for rinsing, and the ability to use impure water to form the treatment solution are not intuitive. It is also important that the instructions be as simple and clear as possible, so that using pictures and/or icons is desirable.

The balance of the composition can comprise various optional adjunct materials, pH-adjusting agents, perfumes or essences, preservatives, suds suppressors, and the like.

The ingredients in the above concentrated compositions are preferably “food grade” and selected and used in proportions which provide substantially clear dilute compositions. “Substantially clear” includes only minimal haziness, and preferably the compositions are completely clear. The ingredients are also selected to have minimal odor, both initially and after storage. The lack of odor is especially important in compositions for use on food.

In order to mask any objectionable odor, the compositions can contain a food grade or GRAS (defined hereinafter) perfume, or essence, ingredient. Especially preferred for this use are oils derived from citrus fruit, e.g., oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, tangerines, tangelos, etc. which contain relatively large amounts of terpenes.

Preferred compositions for use herein contain only materials that are food grade or GRAS, including, of course, direct food additives affirmed as GRAS, to protect against possible misuse by the consumer. Traditionally, most suggestions for cleaning of fruits and/or vegetables have contemplated a commercial scale where there is typically more control over the conditions, especially the amount and thoroughness of rinsing. The present invention includes use by individual consumers without rinsing, so that it is essential that extra safety be built into the product. Failure to rinse thoroughly after cleaning is less of a concern if all of the ingredients are GRAS and/or food grade.

The use and selection of cleaning ingredients for the purpose of washing fruits and vegetables is described by the United States Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Section 173.315: “Ingredients for use in washing or lye peeling of fruits and vegetables”. These regulations restrict the ingredients that may be used for direct contact with food to those described as “generally regarded as safe”(GRAS), and a few other selected ingredients. These sections also provide certain limitations on the amount of material that can be used in a given context. However, there are no regulations, or suggestions, for methods of making food safe for consumption using aqueous compositions that do not need to be removed. Also, there is no known method for killing microbes using materials like hypochlorite, iodine, etc. at low levels that provide desirable palatability.

All documents cited herein are incorporated herein by reference.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following toxicologically-acceptable ingredients are used in the preparation of the preferred compositions herein. By “toxicologically-acceptable” is meant that any residues from the ingredients of the compositions which may remain on the fruits or vegetables cleansed therewith are safe for ingestion by humans and/or lower animals.

Detergent Surfactant

Synthetic Anionic Surfactant—Base stable anionic surfactants can be employed, e.g., as allowed in the United States by the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 21, Section 173.315. Specific mention is made of salts of dodecylbenzene sulfonate, typically at levels up to 0.2%. Also described in the CFR are phosphate esters of ethylene and/or ethylene/propylene oxide adducts of aliphatic alcohols, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, and 2-ethylhexyl sulfate.

The anionic surfactant is preferably selected from materials known in the art, such as C₆₋₁₈ alkyl sulfates and/or sulfonates; C₆₋₁₅ alkylbenzene sulfonates; di-C₆₋₁₀ alkyl sulfosuccinates, etc. The alkyl sulfates are preferred, for antimicrobial effectiveness and palatability, especially as the sodium and/or potassium salts. Potassium C₈₋₁₄ soaps are also preferred. Mixtures of such alkyl sulfates and soaps are also preferred.

Nonionic Surfactant—Nonionic surfactants, when used, are preferably selected from materials known in the art, such as alkylene oxide (ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide) adducts of C₁₀₋₁₈ aliphatic alcohols or acids, C₁₀₋₁₈ aliphatic alcohol adducts of glucose (alkyl polyglucosides). The specific nonionic surfactant selected ideally has a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) greater than about 10, and a cloud point above about 35° C. in the composition. The United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) specifically describes an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide adduct of C12 -18 aliphatic alcohol of molecular weight of about 800. Such a material is available as PLURAFAC RA-20 (BASF).

In compositions containing soap, the alkoxylated alcohol functions mainly as a dispersant for any soap curd which may form during the cleansing operation. Further, it is recognized that the selection of non-nitrogen containing nonionics can minimize the possibility of microbial growth in the dilute surfactant compositions.

Fatty Salts—The compositions herein can contain soap, especially a C₈₋₁₄ soap like coconut fatty acid middle cut soap. Lauric acid is convenient for this use. Specific solubilizing surfactants in higher proportions can be used to solubilize these soaps. However, soaps should not be used in large quantities because of taste considerations.

The presence of the detergent surfactant is important, primarily for reduction of the surface tension and viscosity. It is highly desirable that the dilute treatment compositions have a low viscosity, typically less than about 50, preferably less than about 10, and more preferably less than about 5. The low viscosity improves the completeness of the treatment by promoting spreading over the surface of the food, especially where there are layers, rugosities, etc. The low viscosity also improves drainage, thus providing at least some soil removal. Low viscosity also improves speed of drying, if that is desired. Thus, the detergent surfactant provides highly important advantages in terms of treatment.

The detergent surfactant also improves antimicrobial action. The presence of the surfactant, and especially the alkyl sulfate, provides improved kill and/or rate of

It is important that the detergent surfactant not affect palatability. Accordingly, the level should be low. As discussed before, soap is not usually used in large amounts because of taste considerations and food grade surfactants are highly desirable for taste considerations.

Alkaline Buffer

Toxicologically-acceptable basic buffers are used in the compositions herein to maintain product pH in the desired range. For ease of formulatability, it is often desirable that such basic buffers be in their potassium salt form, especially in liquid concentrates. Sodium salts are acceptable, and even preferred, in solid, e.g., powder formulas. Potassium/sodium carbonate and/or potassium/sodium ortho-phosphate are convenient and preferred basic pH buffers. Calcium and/or magnesium hydroxides can also be used to create a basic pH, especially if the composition does not contain calcium ion sequestrant. Sodium and potassium hydroxides can be used as part of alkaline buffer systems. The levels and identities of the ingredients are adjusted to provide dilute products having the desired viscosities as set forth herein, e.g., less than about 50, preferably less than about 10, more preferably less than about 5 centipoise under shear of ≧˜1000 sec⁻.

The pH is preferably not greater than about 13, and especially does not contain large amounts of buffer at higher pHs for consumer safety, especially when the compositions are not filly removed. Reserve alkalinity should be from about 0.1 to about 10, preferably from about 0.2 to about 7, and more preferably from about 0.3 to about 4.

Sequestrant/Builder

The preferred sequestrant and/or builder herein is polyphosphate salt or organic polycarboxylic salt, e.g., sodium and/or potassium citrate, and/or sodium and/or potassium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, which are standard items of commerce and are GRAS. Other organic polycarboxylic acids, especially those that are GRAS, such as citric, tartaric, malic, etc. acids, can also be used. A preferred version of polyphosphate is an anhydrous Fast Dissolving STPP manufactured by the FMC corporation. Complex phosphates can also be used, and are highly useful to maintain the clarity of dilute solutions made from hard water, but are generally avoided due to regulatory considerations where phosphate levels are specifically forbidden or highly restricted. Typically, the sequestrant/builder is present at a level of from about 0.0005% to about 3%, preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.5%, and more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.2%, by weight of the dilute composition. Sequestrant/builders can maintain the efficacy of the formulas in the presence of hardness.

Preservative

Formulating the present concentrated compositions at high pH reduces the tendency for biological growth of contaminants, such as bacteria, fungi, or molds. However, preservatives can help insure the lack of biological growth through contamination in making or in use. Standard food-grade preservatives such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and/or the salts thereof, at a level of from about 0.01% to about 0.2% of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, or its sodium and/or potassium salts, can be used although, in general, the basic pH compositions herein do not require a preservative.

Fluid Carrier

The major proportion, e.g., more than about two thirds, (typically, approximately 80-99.7%, by weight) of the dilute compositions herein comprises water as the solubilizing carrier for the ingredients. As noted in the Examples hereinafter, water-ethanol can also be employed and is especially preferred when formulating the basic pH compositions herein. The ethanol level in the dilute composition preferably should not exceed 2% in the solution used to treat the produce, to avoid an alcoholic odor. Other compatible, water-soluble, low molecular weight solvents such as glycerol can also be used. Glycerol can also be used in solid compositions to minimize fines. It is an advantage of this invention, that one can use impure water to prepare the dilute composition, the microorganisms being killed by the high pH and/or surfactant and/or builder. As used herein, “impure water” is water that is impure by reason of microorganisms being present.

Optional Ingredients

Polyethylene Glycol—The water-soluble polyethylene glycol polymer (PEG) employed which can be employed herein is the known article of commerce and is available under a variety of trade names, of which CARBOWAX (Union Carbide Corporation) is exemplary. PEG's in the average molecular weight range of from about 200 to about 20,000 can be used herein, and PEG as CARBOWAX in the average molecular weight range of at least about 200, typically 300 to about 9500, is convenient and preferred. The dilute compositions herein can comprise at least about 0.001%, by weight, of the PEG and will typically comprise from about 0.005% to about 0.1%, by weight, of PEG. The amounts used can vary with the molecular weight of the PEG, the amount of surfactant used in the composition, the desired viscosity of the composition, and like factors within the discretion of the formulator.

In a typical mode, the preferred compositions herein that have an improved tactile impression will comprise surfactant/PEG weight ratios in the range from about 1:2 to about 30:1, preferably from about 1:1 to about 15:1.

The compositions herein which contain the polyethylene glycol are characterized not only by their excellent cleaning performance and sudsing/rinsability properties, but also by their improved “feel”. The improved feel of the compositions which come into contact with the users' hands is a qualitative tactile impression. However, this improved, “non-slippery”, “non-soapy” improvement in skin feel can be demonstrated by rubbing Test (PEG-containing) and Control (no PEG) compositions on the hands or inner forearms of volunteer graders. Even in such rudimentary tests, the graders can readily distinguish the improved tactile impression of the compositions.

Antioxidants The use of surfactants, and especially soaps, can be complicated by development of off-odors and/or yellowing of the compositions in which they appear. These undesirable properties are believed to be caused by complex side reactions initiated by the reaction of oxygen with primarily the polyunsaturated components of the fatty acid stock. These results can be avoided, or minimized, by avoiding contact with air, or by controlling the quality of the fatty acid stock so that the amount and type of polyunsaturates are minimized as described above, and/or by the addition of chelants and/or antioxidants.

It has been found, that the addition of tocopherols (e.g., Vitamin E, or tocopherol acetates) in alkaline formulations is advantageous, as they do not degrade, nor do they impart a strong color. They inhibit the development of off-odors for extended periods of time so that the need for masking scents is minimized, or eliminated, particularly for oleic acid stocks of high quality, as described above. The use of butylated phenols, such as BHT and BHA is also useful, but their effectiveness appears more limited and they can impart stronger colors to the compositions. Other food grade antioxidants such as Vitamin C, sorbates, and sulfites, are desirable to prevent deterioration of the compositions by the action of oxygen, but care must be taken since vitamin C can suffer color degradation and sulfites can cause odor problems. Sulfites also have been the target of potential health concerns.

Suds suppressors. (Silicones and their derivatives) At low levels, suds suppressors or antifoamers can be used, especially in the case where a certain surfactant level is desired for wetting and/or efficacy, but the degree of foam generated in the washing of produce is desired to be kept low. The amount of suds suppresser can be tailored in conjunction with the type and level of surfactant used. DC-4270 and DC2-4242 from Dow Corning are useful suds suppressors.

The PEG, previously discussed, can alternately be used as a carrier or binder material for a silicone suds suppresser particle in dry powder concentrate formulas. Typically the PEG molecular weights are such that the PEG is a solid at room temperature to contain the silicone. A preferred M.W. in this case is 8000.

In the case where PEG is an integral part of the carrier for silicone in a power concentrate, caution should be used in the processing of the material to avoid excessive shearing of the dry product. PEG can be soft enough that excessive shear could alter the integrity of the particle formed with it.

Mild fragrances. Odor ingredients can be useful at low levels in concentrates. They can give a concentrate a favorable odor, but under dilution are not noticeable in solution or on treated items.

Conventional halogen antimicrobials. One of the advantages of the present invention is that it makes it unnecessary to use hypochlorite, or iodine, as a means of reducing microorganism populations. Such materials are known to have undesirable tastes, and can add to environmental pollution. However, it is sometimes desirable to have a small amount of hypochiorite salt, typically lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, and/or magnesium, and/or a source of iodine, present at a low level for additional kill of microorganisms.

Usage

The concentrated compositions herein are preferably used by placing them in a container, such as a pan, with water, preferably pure, to form the dilute compositions and facilitate immersion of the food.

The typical use involves treating individual items of food in a “bath” followed by draining the food and/or drying, to minimize the amount of composition left on the food.

In an optional process for using the dilute compositions described herein, the food product is cleaned, rubbed, and/or wiped off with a suitable clean material like cloth, sponge, a paper towel, etc. In another optional process, potentially impure water is treated with the concentrated composition to kill microorganisms and this “treated” water is used to rinse food that has been treated with the dilute treatment composition in another vessel. This protects against the undetected gradual contamination of the original treatment composition. The “rinse” composition can contain lower levels of the concentrate, since all that is needed is to kill the microorganisms in the water itself.

Surprisingly, the compositions and processes described herein can provide effective disinfectancy/sanitization. In order to provide good kill of microorganisms, especially bacteria, one should use high concentrations and/or longer exposure times. Typically, the dilute compositions should be used full strength and allowed to remain on the food for at least about one half minute, preferably at least about one minute, and even more preferably at least about five minutes, and, for some microorganisms, even ten minutes may be required. Longer exposure times (i.e., the time that the bacteria are in contact with the product) give better antimicrobial benefits. The importance of time depends both on the pH of the product and on the formula concentration. At high pH (≧11.5) and high concentrations, antibacterial efficacy is achieved quickly. At lower pH values (pH ≦11.0) and lower formula concentrations, a longer period of exposure time is required to achieve the same efficacy.

Higher pHs are also better, in general.

The methods herein can comprise forming the dilute treatment composition using either (a) pure and/or (b) impure water and then either (1) not rinsing so that any removal is by mechanical means, absorption, and/or draining; (2) rinsing with pure water if it is available; and/or (3) treating impure water with the dilute treatment composition to create “pure” rinse water and then rinsing.

Food

All kinds of foods can be treated. Examples include: produce including fruits and vegetables such as apples, grapes, peaches, potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, celery, and the like, that are to be eaten after treatment, and edible animal protein, especially meat, seafood and poultry, including foodstuffs which are comprised essentially of the protein found in such foods sources including, but not limited to, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, shellfish and game meats such as venison, rabbit and the like. Said edible animal protein includes the processed forms of said protein sources, including, but not limited to, such forms as ground beef, ground turkey, bologna, hot dogs, sausages, fish cakes, and the like. The food is preferably ready to eat after treatment, and is eaten shortly thereafter to minimize recontamination.

The compositions can also be used for cleaning (especially spot removal), disinfectancy, or sanitization, on non-food (i.e., any surface which is not used as food, even those which are not in contact with food), inanimate, household surfaces, especially those used in food production and other food-contacting surfaces (surfaces that come in contact with food). E.g., cutting boards, counter tops, utensils, dishes, colanders, sinks, sponges, towels, dish cloths, cloth napkins (serviettes), table cloths, and other surfaces that come in contact with food. It is desirable to disinfect/sanitize before the surfaces come in contact with the food, and is desirable to redisinfect/sanitize whenever the surfaces become recontaminated. The products herein, containing all GRAS and/or food grade ingredients, are perfect for this purpose. On hard surfaces, of course, the compositions can be removed, after sufficient time has elapsed, by rinsing if pure water is available, or by absorption/wiping with an appropriate object, e.g., paper towel, sponge, squeegee, etc.

The compositions of this invention can also be used to treat/clean other non-food inanimate household surfaces, such as fabrics, e.g., clothing, shoes, and shower curtains, especially those that are used by infants, especially toys, diapers (napkins), and bibs. The contaminated fabrics can be disinfected/sanitized, then allowed to drain and/or dry, while minimizing the risk if the infant puts the fabric or other article in its mouth. However, it is desirable to rinse fabrics, at least with water that contains less alkalinity. The fabric can be treated totally, or by spot treatment, then the composition is preferably removed, at least partially, e.g., by draining, absorbency, and/or mechanical force.

Packaging the products herein in a container with instructions for usage in terms of timing and proper dilution in order to provide disinfectancy/sanitization, will help the individual consumer by providing information for proper usage in order to remove/kill microorganisms. It is a special advantage of the product that it can be used for this purpose at a time in the food production process where recontamination is minimized. The instructions desirably provide assurance that rinsing is not needed in order to avoid possible recontamination by rinsing with impure water.

For fabrics, the pH of the compositions is preferably below about 11.5, more preferably below 11.0.

For fabric and hard surfaces, the distribution of the compositions of this invention can be achieved by using a spray device, a roller, a pad, etc., or dipping in a “bath” of said compositions. Spraying is a preferred method.

All parts, percentages, and ratios herein are “by weight” unless otherwise stated. All number values are approximate unless otherwise stated.

The following Examples illustrate the compositions and processes of this invention, but are not intended to be limiting thereof The exemplified basic liquid dilute treatment compositions can be prepared at pH 10.5-13 by dissolving the concentrated compositions, or the individual ingredients, in water or water-ethanol using conventional mixing apparatus. In a convenient mode, e.g., the concentrate of Example I, water is placed in a treatment vessel. Potassium hydroxide, the dipotassium ortho-phosphate, the disodium EDTA, ethanol, and the surfactant (lauric acid) are added in the named sequence, with stirring. The optional perfume ingredient (grapefruit oil) can be added any time after the surfactant has been dissolved in the mixture.

The following examples depict the bacteria kill efficacy of the proposed invention as determined by a standard AOAC germicidal and detergent sanitizing test. Test organisms E. coli, ATCC 11229, or Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC 6538, are prepared in an inoculum with a 5% organic soil load (horse serum) prepared with French culture bottles to achieve higher cfu/ml. The test exposure temperature is 25° C. and incubation time for survivor count is 48-54 hours at 35° C.

EXAMPLES

The following solutions (A-F) were prepared and tested for efficacy against E. coli. To achieve significant reductions in counts (>50% in 1 min) requires a pH greater than about 10.5.

A B C DI Water Balance Balance Balance TSP-12H₂O  0.46  0.46 0.46  (NaOH or H₂SO₄)* trace trace trace pH 10.5 11.5  12.5   % Reduction (E. coli) 1 min. 25.8 95.5  99.9999 3 min. 16.8 99.05 99.9999 5 min. 27.6 99.76 99.9999

DI Water is deionized water and TSP-12H₂O is trisodium orthophosphate with 12 moles of water of crystallization.

D E F DI Water Balance Balance Balance TSP-12H2O  0.46  0.46 0.46  NaOH or H2SO4)* trace trace trace Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate  0.01  0.01 0.01  pH 10.5  11.5 12.5   % Reduction (E. coli) 1 min. 10.87 89.28 99.9998 3 min. 18.7  98.18 99.9998 5 min. 49.88 99.9  99.9998 *small amounts used to achieve target pH.

The following example solution (G) was prepared and tested for efficacy against E. coli. Again significant reductions in counts were achieved with low surfactant and alkaline pH. In this example, solution pH is achieved by NaOH. A pleasant citrus odor in solution can also be obtained by using citrus extracts.

G DI Water Balance NaOH 0.15  Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 0.06  Ethanol 5.0   Lime 63 1.0   pH 12.6   % Reduction (E. coli) 1 min. 99.99998 3 min. 99.99998 5 min. 99.99998

Lime 63 is a food grade flavorant/perfume.

The following example solution (1) was prepared and tested for efficacy against E. coli. In this case the final soak test solution was prepared by diluting a concentrated liquid product in tap water in the amount of 20 gm of concentrated liquid product into 1 liter water. The concentrated liquid to be diluted uses KOH and K2HPO4 for a alkaline buffer source and potassium laurate derived from neutralized lauric acid as a surfactant.

Produce washed in the soak solution was determined to have no negative effects on it in regards to taste or palatability without a rinse.

I Soak solution composition Concentrated Liquid after conc. liquid composition before dilution @ 20 gm/Liter dilution @ 20 gm/Liter Tap Water (˜8 gpg Balance — hardness) DI Water 1.225 Balance KOH 0.118 5.9 Lauric acid 0.039 1.95 Ethanol 0.036 1.8 Grape fruit oil  0.0008 0.04 Na₂EDTA.2H₂O 0.059 2.93 K₂HPO₄ 0.52  26.06 pH 11.5   12.1 % reduction (E. Coli) 5 min. 99.999 

The following example solutions (J and K) were prepared and tested for efficacy against E. coli. In this case the final soak test solution was prepared by diluting a concentrated powder product in tap water in the amount of 3 and 5 gm of concentrated powder product into 1 liter water, respectively. The solutions derived from diluting these concentrated powders have low level carbonate and/or TSP for a alkaline buffer source and sodium lauryl sulfate as a surfactant.

Produce washed in these soak solutions were determined to have no negative effects on it in regards to taste or palatability without a rinse.

J K Soak solution composition Concentrated powder Soak solution composition Concentrated powder after powder composition after powder composition dilution @ before dilution @ dilution @ before dilution @ 3 gm/Liter 3 gm/Liter 5 gm/Liter 5 gm/Liter Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 0.006 2.0 0.017 3.4 glycerol 0.008 2.6 — — TSP.12H₂O 0.279 93.0 0.349 69.79 Sodium Carbonate — — 0.084 16.75 PEG 3350 0.007 2.3 0.01 2.0 DI water — — 0.04 8.06 Tap water balance balance pH ˜11.5 ˜11.5 % reduction (E. coli) 1 min. 63.69 94.75 3 min. 69.09 99.81 5 min. 84.51 99.9997

The following example solutions (L and M) were prepared and tested for efficacy against E. coli. In this case the final soak test solution was prepared by diluting a concentrated powder product in tap water in the amount of 1 and 6 gm of concentrated powder product into 1 liter water, respectively. The solutions derived from diluting these concentrated powders utilize tripotassium phosphate for a alkaline buffer source and sodium LAS as a surfactant.

L M Soak solution composition Concentrated powder Soak solution composition Concentrated powder after powder composition after powder composition dilution @ before dilution @ dilution @ before dilution @ 1 gm/Liter 1 gm/Liter 6 gm/Liter 6 gm/Liter Sodium LAS 0.003 3.47 0.021 3.47 Tripotassium phosphate 0.093 92.89 0.557 92.89 PEG 3350 0.004 3.64 0.022 3.64 Tap water balance — balance — pH ˜11.5 ˜11.8 % reduction (E. coli) 10 min. 98 99.9999

The following compositions (N-P) are additional examples of powder concentrates that can be made up and diluted with water to form a cleaning solution.

N O P Trisodium 89.6 92.76 90.9 phosphate.12H₂O Sodium lauryl sulfate 4 — — Sodium dodecyl sulfate — 3.34 5.5 Na₂EDTA.2H₂O 3 — 3.6 Silicone (suds suppresser) 2 — — DC2-4242 PEG 3350 — 3.9 — Perfume 0.10 — — Glycerol 1.3 — — concentrated powder 3 gm/liter 3.6 gm/liter 3.7 gm/liter dilution rate to make a H₂O H₂O H₂O cleaning solution cleaning solution pH ˜11.5 11.6 11.6

The following example composition (Q) is another preferred example of a powder concentrate using STPP that can be made up and diluted with water to form a cleaning solution.

Q TSP.12H₂O 71.3 STPP 20.0 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 4.0 Glycerin 2.1 Water 0.5 Silicone based Antifoam 2.0 particle (DC4270) Distilled Grapefruit oil 0.1 Distilled Grapefruit oil is a food grade flavorant/perfume. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A concentrated composition suitable for use with impure water in preparing a dilute treatment composition having a viscosity of less than about 10 cp for treating food at a basic pH by diluting with said impure water using from about 0.1% to about 5% of the concentrated composition, by weight of the dilute treatment composition, said concentrated composition comprising: (a) from about 0.5% to about 50% by weight of toxicologically-acceptable detergent surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates and C₈₋C₁₄ soaps; (b) a basic buffer to provide a pH in said dilute treatment composition of from about 10.5 to about 13, but with low reserve alkalinity in said dilute composition to avoid damage to a human, the level of othophosphate, when present, being from about 3% to about 60%, by weight of phosphoric acid equivalant; (c) from about 2% to about 20% by weight of a calcium ion sequestiant, which is sodium and/or potassium tripolyphosphate and/or ethylenediaminetetraacetate; (d) optionally, a toxicologically-acceptable preservative; (e) a toxicologically-acceptable suds suppressor; and (f) the balance comprising compatible, toxicologically-acceptable inert and/or minor ingredients, said composition being packaged in combination with usage instructions which instruct the user regarding dilution and timing of useage of said composition, as well as directing the user not to rinse the composition from the food to avoid possible recontamination, wherein said timing of useage comprises contacting said food with said dilute treatment composition for a period of time in excess of one half minute. 